The maintenance of snow requirement for snowmobiling or any other winter activities will guarantee you the most thrilling and enjoyable experience.
Winter is the best time of the year as it is the time for snow and celebrations, plus we get to do the best activities ever! We can be out skiing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing with the family or with friends.
All these activities depend on the amount of snow. A few years ago, after I had just bought my new snowmobile, I was ecstatic and excited to give it a go. I’d, of course, come to regret my haste later on when I had to pay $200 for the tract and ski repair. I did not consider the ideal snow depth for snowmobiling.
If you are a lover of Winter activities, you have probably experienced or thought the same. Knowing the ideal snow depth for snowmobiling, snowboarding, and skiing could mean the safety and longevity of your gear.
These are expensive and a long-term investment. You want to be able to get as many uses out of them as possible.
Factors Affecting Snow Requirement for Snowmobiling
Snow is the most important factor to consider when you think of going out snowmobiling. When the snow requirement for snowmobiling is not met, ie. too shallow or too much, you risk damage to your snowmobile tracks and skis, and let me tell you, repair of these costs a pretty penny.
Plus, what’s the fun in snowmobiling when there is not enough snow? Without the snow, snowmobiling is like a sea without a beach.
The snow requirement for snowmobiling depends on many factors. These factors can help better determine the amount of snow that is needed for snowmobiling.
Snow Conditions
There are different snow conditions in different areas for snowmobile riding. You should choose your sled depending on the condition of the snow,
Places with powdery and fresh snow need heavy sleds with more massive surface area tracks whereas the icy terrain needs lightweight sleds with fewer surface area tracks.
Weight of the Snowmobile
Snowmobiles are available in many different types and come with varied weights. While most will do fine on 5-6 inches of snow, there are some exceptions for lighter or heavier snowmobiles. You can also read my another article that talks about the average weight of snowmobiles to get a better understanding.
Heavy snowmobile needs deeper snow terrain with depths of about 6-7 inches, while lighter snowmobiles require lesser snow depth for snowmobiling and can sometimes even do with as low as just 4 inches of snow.
Surface Area of Snowmobile Tracks
The snowmobile tracks with the larger surface area have the ability to ride on deep snow terrain as they can cover more space. This prevents it from getting stuck in the snow and can easily dig into it.
The snowmobile tracks with less surface area are suitable for areas with a snow depth of 4-7 inches as they can cover a smaller surface area.
Your snow requirement for snowmobiling may change according to these factors.
How Much Snow Do You Need for Snowmobiling?
The snow requirement for snowmobiling is an essential factor as your ride largely depends on it. Many riders ignore this fact and ride on any kind of track available as soon as they see white on the ground.
I myself am guilty of this and thoroughly regret my lack of knowledge and not listening to my wife (she’s always right).
When riding your snowmobile, if the snow depth is less, you cause damage to your gear; likewise, if the snow requirement for snowmobiling exceeds the proper amount, you run the risk of getting your snowmobile stuck in the snow.
Opinions on the ideal amount of snow vary amongst the snowmobile riders. Ranging from an inch up to 7. But to be safe, go with the median and you can try out your luck when you’re snowmobile is old and you want to get a new one.
In some areas, the trails are open for snowmobiling only when the snow is 6-7 inches deep for a better experience for the rider and to prevent any disaster both for the snowmobile and the rider.
Not only is snow your traveling medium but also your safety cushion in case of falls or crashes. So yeah, just take my advice. It is always better safe than sorry.
Riding Snowmobile in Less Snow
Riding your snowmobile in less snow is really dangerous for your sled as well as the rider as it may damage the surface of the snowmobile and cause accidents. Do check the snow before riding your snowmobile.
In less snow, it would be challenging for you to ride a snowmobile properly as these machines are specifically made for traveling in certain depths of snow. Also, what is the fun of SNOWmobiling with no snow!
Improper Snowmobile Driving
Snowmobiles are designed to be driven on snow-covered terrains; thus, they need to be driven around snow terrains with at least the tracks covered with 4-7 inches of snow. Less amount of snow or no snow ruins your sled as well as your experience.
Even 6-7 inches of deep snow is also suitable to drive your snowmobile, but more than that may cause your sled to get stuck in the snow. Hence, less amount of snow or too much is not ideal for snowmobiling. Avoid the deep snow terrains at all costs.
Riding on the Ground
Less snow on tracks results in the driving of your snowmobile on the road. The whole goal of riding the snowmobile would be futile. Without snow, you’re basically dragging your skis and track on gravel and hard surfaces.
When the amount of snow is less than one inch, your sled is touching the ground, causing friction and scratching up your snowmobile. The friction on your snowmobile also causes it to heat up and destroy your machine.
Sticking of Dirt
When you ride your snowmobile on less snow, your sled touches the ground. The sled touching the ground keeps you from driving properly and thus ruins all your fun.
The snowmobile touching the ground exposes it to all the dirt and grime, which gets stuck on your exposed snowmobile parts and causes damage to your gear.
Apart from the dirt and difficulties that come with snowmobiling in inappropriate snow conditions is the problem with lubrication. The lubrication is provided to the track slides along with nylon runners by the snow. In the absence of snow, the track slide dries out, thus quickly heating up, wearing out, and in some cases, melting.
Final Words
With the advancement in technology, we see adaptations made available for snowmobiles to travel on the road or on little snow.
However, riding a snowmobile on roads or grasses should kept at a minimum and only when absolutely necessary, like when crossing intersections or bridges, riding to the gas pump, or maneuvering the garage. Prolonged use on non-snow terrains causes harm to the engine as well as the tracks.
Always make sure to check for the snow requirement for snowmobiling before starting off on your journey, if not for the safety of your gear then at least for ease on yourself.
Aside from checking snow conditions, you should also know how to prepare your snowmobile this winter. Have a safe ride!
